Chapter 8

After Advanced Weaponry, Professor Sankara orders Blake to take Medra to a healer. Medra resents the escort, but Blake insists. In the corridor, First Year vampires react to Medra’s bleeding nose, and House Avari students confront them. When Kiernan advances, Blake floors him and forces a path through, exchanging a cool acknowledgement with Kage Tanaka.

Blake warns Medra that First Years struggle with restraint and that her blood is uniquely provocative due to her rider lineage. When Medra jokes, Blake pins her to stress the danger, admits he is not permitted to feed from her because their bond is too weak “yet,” and pushes them onward.

In the Drakharrow infirmary, a healer’s apprentice and a healer treat Medra, setting her nose and accelerating rib healing. Released for the Commencement Address, she heads to the Dragon Court, taking in the four monumental dragon statues and the autumn-clad courtyard.

Florence and Naveen find Medra, note her injuries, and learn she fought Visha. Florence offers to teach her missed library duties later. They gather for Headmaster Kim’s address, where he declares Bloodwing a forge demanding excellence, threatens harsh consequences—especially for blightborn expected to serve—and promises rewards like Wintermark Ball invitations and later access to Veilmar.

As the speech continues, Medra notices Regan Pansera watching from across the courtyard. A chilling pressure grips Medra; her limbs jerk and her body stops obeying her will. Regan smirks as Medra loses control, ending the scene with Medra effectively compelled.